Red Flags to Look for When Meeting with Spine Surgeons

By The Spine Institute, 8:00 am on June 4, 2015

Choosing a spine surgeon in Beverly Hills should be dependent on your personal comfort level with that particular doctor. As is the case with any service offered by a qualified professional, however, there are red flags to look out for during your initial consultation with a surgeon that can help you make a more informed choice.

Insisting You Schedule Your Spine Surgery ASAP

Unless there is a pressing medical reason for immediate spine surgery, most spine surgeons are going to give you all the time you need to make up your mind. Aside from the fact that a relaxed patient is more likely to heal better following surgery, taking your time to decide also gives you a chance to do some homework, ask questions, and get second opinions from other board-certified spine surgeons in Beverly Hills.

Not Encouraging Other Opinions

There’s rarely a valid reason not to consult multiple spine surgeons prior to making your final decision. If your doctor is attempting to dissuade you from getting more opinions, do a little digging into their record. The American Board of Spine Surgery website is one resource you can use to verify certification. You can also check with your state’s medical board to determine if there are any license issues or review online comments from patients during your vetting process.

Making Unsubstantiated Claims

Any surgeon claiming a higher than usual success rate for a particular type of spine surgery should be able to back up those claims with verifiable data. If you can’t get anything beyond his or her word, do a little research on your own or ask for referrals to previous patients who are willing to discuss their experience. Some other red flags to look out for include:

Suggesting exploratory surgery (rarely necessary today)

Seeming threatened when you insist on a second opinion

Discouraging further exploration of conservative treatments

If you’re seeking a second opinion or are interested in learning more about your current condition and treatment options, call (310) 828-7757 and request an in-person consultation with experienced board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Hyun Bae. With a conservative approach to spine care, you can trust Dr. Bae to provide you with all of your options, including minimally invasive spine surgeries or non-fusion technologies.